31/10/2017
Getting enough sleep at the right time of night is a challenge for some people. The magnetic lure of infinite options on the internet can be compelling - and, before we realise it, we have stayed up way after midnight, watching movies, surfing through talks, connecting on social media and email.
As the nights 'draw in' and it become more easy to cosy up at home than go out for evening strolls, the very thing we should be doing for our best health is to let the dark of winter draw us deeply inwards to a hibernation rhythm that involves good quality hours of sleep.
I'm noticing that my body is beginning to 'tell' me that it wants a lot of sleep right now. I'm trying to be in bed by 10.30pm. With even an early start (which I'm glad I don't have!) there's still a chance of 9 hours of sleep before 7.30am. How wonderful!
There is such a difference in the quality of the sleep that happens when we go to bed around 10pm compared to after midnight. When I had chronic fatigue seven years ago and completely lost - yes really lost - my ability to sleep, nights were very distressing and my exhaustion multiplied. I learned a lot about my pineal gland and the way in which the sleep hormone, melatonin, is produced. Reconnecting to my Circadian rhythm (the body's inner clock), taking supplements to support the weakened melatonin supply, and intentionally creating a healthy rhythm to be in bed when the pineal gland is at its optimum production, around 9.30pm, finally brought back to me the gift of sleep. And oh, how I treasure it!
So I know from personal experience, hard won, how beneficial it is to get to sleep early and to prepare for sleep with a restful, quiet time, free from the interruptions of flashing electronic devices and electric lights.
Being asleep at the right time of night supports our body functions at every level so your optimum health depends hugely on your decision to turn off the lights and get into bed long before midnight.
Sleep well - and be well!